Chapter 5: The end of my ordinary days

"Hahahahaha! You're too funny, stupid!"

During 2nd period math class, Ike was loudly chatting with Yamauchi. It had been three weeks since the entrance ceremony; in that time, those two, along with Sudou, were given the name "the stupid trio".

"Ne ne, do you want to go sing some karaoke?" "Yea, let's go—"

Nearby, a group of girls were making after school plans.

"Even though people were nervous for a while, it seems like everyone's opened up to each other quickly…"

"Ayanokouji-kun, haven't you also made more friends?"

Horikita asked me while she was writing down notes from the blackboard.

"Eh, somewhat."

Although I was anxious at first, I got to know Sudou from meeting at the convenience store, and Ike and Yamauchi from the incident at the pool. We occasionally eat lunch together too.

Even though I was far from having "close" friends, I was happy to have some friends.

However, human relations are mysterious things, so it isn't clear when they became my friends.

"Yo."

Halfway through the class, Sudou barged through the door of the class with a bang.

Ignoring the fact that it was the middle of class, he plopped down on his seat with a big yawn.

"Hey, Sudou. Ah, do you want to eat lunch later?"

Ike said in a loud voice from across the room.

The teacher continued the lesson without saying anything about Sudou. A piece of chalk would've been sent flying in a normal classroom, but this teacher seems to be completely tolerant of their behavior. At first, the class was much quieter and reserved, but these days everyone is overly relaxed.

Of course, there are a few people like Horikita who diligently study and pay attention.

My pocket vibrated, indicating that I received a text message. It's the group chat. Looks like they decided to go to the dining hall during lunch.

"Hey Horikita. Do you want to eat lunch together?"

"No thank you. You guys are very crude anyway."

"… Can't deny that."

After all, when the boys are alone, all they talk about are girls or dirty jokes. Who's cute, who's dating who, and all that stuff. It's probably bad to add girls to this kind of conversation.

"Wow… he's already done it with her? Amazing."

From their conversation, it sounds like Hirata is dating Karuizawa. Looking at her from afar, it was obvious that she was sending Hirata lovey-dovey gazes.

She's definitely cute, but she has a hard-to-approach air about her that's not indicative of a beginner in love. In other words, she's the "gal" type of girl.

In middle school, she probably went out with an ikemen just like HIrata. It's a big leap, but I'm pretty sure I'm not far off. Oops, I accidentally badmouthed her.

I apologized to her in my head.

"I hate that expression on your face."

Horikita looked at me with a cold gaze. Looks like she saw through me.

What do you have to do in order to become a couple right after the entrance ceremony? I'm still having a hard time making friends.

If I went up to Horikita and said, "Will you go out with me?"—I'd get punched immediately.

Besides, if I were to get a girlfriend, I'd like someone more refined and gentle.